How to repair keloids

Written by melissa morang

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Keloid tendencies can run in families, states Medicinenet.com. (Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images)

A keloid is a scar that is raised above the skin's surface. It has a smooth top and the colour is either pink or purple. A keloid is difficult to manage because it progressively grows larger and you may experience itching or tenderness with a keloid scar. Keloids are usually seen on the shoulders, back, chest and ear lobes. Doctors do not understand the exact reasons why keloids form, although keloids can occur after skin injuries caused by body or ear piercings, acne, tattoos, burns, scratches and wounds.

There are treatments that may help keloids, although some treatments may make the keloids worse. Discuss the options thoroughly with your doctor before undergoing any type of treatment.

Skill level:

Moderately Challenging

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Instructions

1

Use silicone sheets on the keloids. You will need to wear a sheet of silicone gel on the keloid scar for a few hours a day. This type of treatment may take months to reduce the appearance of the keloids and not everyone may respond to it.

2

Get cortisone injections. These injections are done once a month, with the result being that the keloid becomes flattened. Keep in mind that the cortisone can make the flattened keloid appear redder by stimulating superficial blood vessels, according to MedicineNet.com.

3

Try laser treatments. The pulsed dye laser has an effect on the keloid scar by flattening it and making it less red. You will need several treatments in order to achieve maximum benefits.

4

Invest in cryotherapy. In this procedure, your doctor actually freezes the keloids with liquid nitrogen. This helps to flatten the keloids, however the keloid may become darkened.

5

Get an interferon injection. Interferons are proteins produced by the body's immune system. They help to fight off viruses and bacteria. MedicineNet.com states that injecting the keloid with interferon has shown promise in reducing the size of the keloids.

6

Remove the keloids by cutting them out using a surgical procedure. This procedure can be risky, because new keloids may form. Some surgeons inject steroids or apply pressure dressings to the site after the surgery, which may reduce the possibility of new keloids forming.